TX Mining Monthly
January 2019
Messages
  
I am excited to be starting this New Year with all of you! Considering the New Congress with a substantially different House, the just commenced 86th Texas Legislative Session, and ongoing changes within our Industries, we have both Challenges and, I’m confident, new Opportunities where TMRA will, once again, and thanks to ALL of YOU, be a Leader!
A Sun Coast Lubricant Audit May Reduce Costs
Sun Coast Resources Inc.
In dust-laden environments, your heavy equipment is at risk for lubricant contamination that could result in down time and repair costs. If you’re unsure your lubricants are stored properly or even concerned you don’t have the right lubricants to meet OEM requirements, a Sun Coast Certified Lubrication Specialist can conduct a Lubrication Audit. Contact us to schedule today.
Click here to learn more.
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Features
ROMCO Equipment Company
Waukesha-Pearce Industries, LLC
Welcome New Members
Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) is focused on drainage products and services that deliver solutions for the most persistent and challenging water management problems. From safely pre-treating and managing stormwater runoff, to helping developers and property owners harvest rainwater, we focus on the development of water solutions that make land more arable, cities more livable, and the world a greener place to live.
 
Dragline Service Specialties (DSS) a division of Wyoming Machinery Company will be the premier dealership providing world class product support: parts and service for all dragline needs. Mirroring their parent company, Dragline Service Specialties (DSS) will operate on the same great core values: Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Commitment.
 
Stephenson Dirt Contracting was established in 1987. We've grown from a small firm to a well-established company that operates a variety of machinery in multiple areas. Count on us to complete the work ranging from multi-phase commercial projects to oil field maintenance.

 
Industry News
In terms of overall results, 2018 proved to be another strong year for the aggregates industry. More than half of respondents (50.7 percent) to the 2018-2019 Aggregates Manager Forecast Survey indicated that business in 2018 was either excellent or very good. And, more than four in 10 respondents said they had higher production volumes this year than during 2017. This is very good news, but is only part of the industry’s overall economic story. At the other end of the spectrum, nearly 18 percent of respondents described business as fair or poor — an increase of more than 8 percent over the last year’s results. In addition, the percentage of respondents who said they had lower production volumes nearly tripled that of last year. These are indications that, while the majority of producers continue to thrive, some operators may be experiencing a substantially different business environment.
TMRA News
The 86th Texas Legislative session commenced on January 8th with celebrated pomp and circumstance. After the retirement of Speaker Joe Straus, Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) was unanimously voted as Speaker of the House. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick will be sworn in during their inauguration on January 15th. There are 147 current members of the House and three open seats with pending special elections. There are 6 new members of the Senate and after the special elections there will be 32 new members of the House. We anticipate that committee chairs/members will be announced within the next couple of days in Senate, and by the end of January for the House.
Tex-Con Oil Company
Komatsu Mining
Sponsor a Teacher
  
You can Sponsor A Teacher anytime during the year. This Sponsor A Teacher program gives all members/companies an opportunity to support TMRA’s successful teacher education program. A contribution of $1,500 will sponsor one teacher for a workshop that covers teaching materials, meals, lodging, etc. This is your chance to promote our industry by sponsoring a teacher! To learn more, click below.
Safety
  
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently named Timothy R. Watkins, the Deputy Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, to fill the newly created MSHA position of Administrator for Coal and Metal/Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health. The creation of this new position is part of MSHA’s reorganization to combine the coal and metal/nonmetal enforcement arms of the agency. In his new position, Watkins will have overall responsibility for all aspects of enforcement for coal and metal/nonmetal mines. Watkins previously served as acting Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health at MSHA. Prior to that, he was the district manager for Coal District 12 in West Virginia and as an assistant district manager in Pikeville, Ky. He holds a degree in mine engineering.

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The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports that 27 mining fatalities occurred in 2018 — the second lowest number ever recorded. Eighteen of the fatalities occurred at surface operations, and nine occurred in underground mines. Approximately 250,000 miners work in the 12,000 metal/non-metal mines in the nation, and 83,000 miners work in the 1,200 coal mines.
Technology
  
Time and time again, we are reminded just how important it is that we start caring for our environment. With pressure on every industry to start changing their daily practices to help preserve the environment, the world has been hot on mining and construction in particular. As we head into 2019, the pressure is on to change everything from the drilling rig used, to the daily mine management, all to make the process much more eco-friendly. Here, we’re exploring just what technology is set to do precisely that in the New Year.
A new sensor fusion technique based on X-ray and 3D imaging promises improvements to the 3D modelling of mineral resources and more efficient sorting of precious metals. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT) is coordinating the sensor development process through an EU project called X-Mine in collaboration with businesses, international research institutions and mining lobbies.
Legislative Update
  
The EPA announced today a proposed revision to the new source performance standards (NSPS) for CO2 emissions from new coal power plants. While some commentators, including The New York Times, have tried to frame the revision as a rollback of climate regulation, it’s anything but.
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Jan 2019
 
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